1Berkshire, the Berkshire Innovation Center and the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) are excited to announce that on September 10th, 2025 the Accelerating What’s Possible: The Next Chapter for Rural Economies in the Age of AI conference will be happening at MASS MoCA in North Adams. This exciting one-day national conference will bring together industry experts, policy leaders, rural economy innovators, and acceleration partners from across the country to the Berkshires to network, engage and set the course for the next chapter of rural economic development and innovation.
Starting in 2020, the Berkshire Tech Impact Collaborative, a coalition of 1Berkshire, the Berkshire Innovation Center, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at BCC, began working with CORI to assess and advance initiatives and opportunities aligned with the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0 to catalyze, amplify, and accelerate the tech and innovation economy of the Berkshires in new and exciting ways. Through working with CORI and their nationwide Rural Innovation Network, this coalition has been able to seek resources, develop programming, broaden partnerships, and support emergent businesses and entrepreneurs in dynamic ways right here in Berkshire County.
Following 5 years of work, this upcoming conference hosted by CORI, with support from 1Berkshire, represents a benchmark moment to both celebrate the critical work done to date in the Berkshires and in rural economies across the country, while setting the stage for what the future can and will hold. With initial conference sponsors including Google, MassDevelopment and Compeer Financial, this event is bound to be an exciting and engaging moment of national importance.
Dr. Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire states “for 5 years CORI and the Rural Innovation Network have been a vital conduit to improve practices, advancing initiatives, and finding tailored guidance” he adds “To be able to partner with them in bringing this national conference to our corner of the world is both energizing and an honor as we get to welcome in friends, peers and colleagues from near and far to think and act in ways to advance our regional economy and the rural economies we find kinship with”
Matt Dunne, CORI Founder and Executive Director notes “The incredible potential for technology and innovation to drive rural growth is evident in places like the Berkshires. We are excited to be able to host this national gathering in a state that is leading the nation’s innovation economy and explore opportunities and challenges that the AI era presents for rural communities across the country.”
For more information and to register for the Accelerating What’s Possible: The Next Chapter for Rural Economies in the Age of AI conference, please visit
About 1Berkshire
1Berkshire is a county-wide marketing and economic development organization that works to simultaneously preserve, position, and promote Berkshire County’s profound sense of place. Its mission is to advance Berkshire County’s economy by advocating for the business community and attracting visitors. Powered by membership, 1Berkshire provides programs that connect businesses with resources and potential customers, as well as develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.